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Ratings Explained
Trip Rating
22 days (begins and ends in Kathmandu)
11 days strenuous hiking at high elevation (max. 18,465'), long, rough road travel
15 nights camping, 6 nights hotels
2008
Sep 16-Oct 07
2008 Prices

$8390 (10-12 members)
$9390 (8-9 members)
$10390 (6-7 members)
$260 airfare (Chengdu/Lhasa/Chengdu)
$600 single supplement


TIBET: Kailas: Sacred Mountain of Tibet

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The mystical mountain of Kailas, a 22,028-foot peak in a remote corner of the Tibetan plateau, is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. It’s their belief that by devoutly circling the mountain on foot, one is cleansed of all earthly sins and can reach ultimate spiritual freedom. Your own pilgrimage to Kailas—with trip leader Sergio Fitch-Watkins at the helm—begins with a challenging six-day trek in Nepal’s Humla district. Then it’s on to the holy mountain: joining other nomads and pilgrims from as far away as India, you’ll set off on a 32-mile circumambulation of the peak along the kora, the sacred circuit around Kailas (one circuit is said to erase the sins of a lifetime, 108 assures Nirvana). The most devout pilgrims circle the shining mountain in one day—we’ll take our time and do it in four. Before beginning the Kailas trek, you’ll visit Lake Mansarovar and Tirthapuri Hot Springs, which, along with Mount Kailas itself, are the three most revered sites in Western Tibet

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Complete the sacred circuit of Mount Kailas, visit Lake Manasarovar and Tirthapuri Hot Springs—the most revered sites of Western Tibet—and trek in Nepal!
  • A rewarding cultural and spiritual journey, with encounters with Tibetan, Indian, and Nepali pilgrims as well as nomadic people
  • Witness an endangered culture rooted in age-old traditions


Itinerary: Kailas: Sacred Mountain of Tibet

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Day 2 - Tour the sights of the Kathmandu Valley.

Days 3 - Fly to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal.

Days 4 - Fly to Simikot, close to the Tibet border, and begin the trek along the Karnali River.

Days 5-9 - Trek toward Tibet, passing small settlements and encountering traders and pilgrims as we near the border.

Days 10 - Cross into Tibet, meet with vehicles, and drive to Lake Manasarovar (14,950'), the highest body of fresh water on earth. Chance to bathe in its sacred waters.

Days 11 - Drive to Thirthapuri Hot Springs, on the banks of the Sutlej River.

Days 12 - Drive to Darchan.

13-15 - On trek around Mount Kailas, making a traditional clockwise circuit. En route, cross the Dolma La (18,465'), spiritual and physical high point of the kora (circuit).

Days 16 - End trek and drive to Lake Manasarovar.

Day 17-21 - Long drive to Kathmandu (daily driving time is 8-10 hours).

Day 22 - Depart Kathmandu.



Detailed Itinerary - TIBET: Kailas: Sacred Mountain of Tibet

1. Download detailed itinerary in a PDF format
2008 Detailed Itinerary


(PDF files require that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. This program can be downloaded for free from the Adobe Website.)

2. Or email us your itinerary request at sales@mtsobek.com

3. Or call us at 1-888-831-7526 (USA and Canada) or (510) 594-6000

We’ll email you a copy (Word or Acrobat document), fax, or mail you the itinerary as you prefer.
For more information and reservations, please contact:

Mountain Travel Sobek
1266 66th Street, Suite 4
Emeryville, CA 94608 USA
Toll Free (USA and Canada): 1-888-831-7526
Phone: +1-510-594-6000
Fax: + 1-510-594-6001
Email: info@mtsobek.com




Photo Credits
©Willem Proos